Help with Religious Art

[DarthFurg]

I love art. it is my passion and i love expressing myself through it. Recently i have been doing some religious pieces and i was wondering if painting/drawing pictures a little more abstract with less detail and unrealistic colors could be considered bad to do. God gave me this talent so i believe i should use it to praise him, however i dont know what is too much.

in all my paintings/drawings i want to perceive Christ as good, however art is extremely subjective, therefore, anybody can interpret it different ways. here are some of my drawings and paintings for a better idea.

s3.amazonaws.com/graffiti/f0a0ad0ce47a1f22f72905a87c977d89P_510x270.png
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo22.jpg?t=1249895700
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo19.jpg?t=1249895715

 

[Bluegoat]

Have you ever done any research into the writing of icons, the kind they use in Eastern churches? They are purposely abstract, in order to lead the mind from the image to the contemplation of divine things… You might find it interesting.

 

[The_Otaku]

Hey, I’m an artist too!

I feel inspired and motivated lately to start drawing religious artwork. Areas of interest are guardian angels and the people they watch over. Like, I had this idea to draw a little girl kneeling, praying the rosary, and beside her is her angel, also kneeling and praying. It would be cute, adorable, and at the same time beautiful. Like you, however, I have the same concerns, mainly in whether something is appropriate in light of it being subjective to the viewer.

For example, while it is widely acknowledged by the theologians that the angels are all male or at least androgynous (which has often caused confusion), would it be sinful for me to draw female angels whether or not they actually exist? Alot of the religious artwork out there today has them as both male and female. I was wondering whether I would be in error by creating something that either goes against or presupposes and assumes what gender angels are, or whether or not that is relevant, in light of the theological findings and research.

I’d like to think it’s ok since I’d be drawing something holy anyway, and there would be instances where a female angel would seem more well suited than a male in a particular picture, but if all angels are male, I don’t want to cause any offense or for people, especially any religious people to think or feel I’m going against Church findings or beliefs regarding the angels. Religious art is supposed to uplift people, not cause scandal. I’ve even heard that some theologians believe the angels have no gender but appear as men for the sake of mankind, as angels have no use for it in and of themselves (ie- they cannot procreate, replicate, etc., and all the angels that are are also all the angels there ever was or will be), so to create gender may just be the bias of the artist.

I may be overthinking this, but if anyone has read any of my other threads you’ll know by now that’s normal for me. LOL

 

[Bluegoat]

Hey, I’m an artist too!

I feel inspired and motivated lately to start drawing religious artwork. Areas of interest are guardian angels and the people they watch over. Like, I had this idea to draw a little girl kneeling, praying the rosary, and beside her is her angel, also kneeling and praying. It would be cute, adorable, and at the same time beautiful. Like you, however, I have the same concerns, mainly in whether something is appropriate in light of it being subjective to the viewer.

For example, while it is widely acknowledged by the theologians that the angels are all male or at least androgynous (which has often caused confusion), would it be sinful for me to draw female angels whether or not they actually exist? Alot of the religious artwork out there today has them as both male and female. I was wondering whether I would be in error by creating something that either goes against or presupposes and assumes what gender angels are, or whether or not that is relevant, in light of the theological findings and research.

I’d like to think it’s ok since I’d be drawing something holy anyway, and there would be instances where a female angel would seem more well suited than a male in a particular picture, but if all angels are male, I don’t want to cause any offense or for people, especially any religious people to think or feel I’m going against Church findings or beliefs regarding the angels. Religious art is supposed to uplift people, not cause scandal. I’ve even heard that some theologians believe the angels have no gender but appear as men for the sake of mankind, as angels have no use for it in and of themselves (ie- they cannot procreate, replicate, etc., and all the angels that are are also all the angels there ever was or will be), so to create gender may just be the bias of the artist.

I may be overthinking this, but if anyone has read any of my other threads you’ll know by now that’s normal for me. LOL

Angels are neither male nor female, they have no gender. Remeber too, that each angel is unique, a species unto itself. An angels is an immaterial, unceasing intellectual activity. So when angels are depicted with a body, it is for one of two reasons; Firstly, it is depicting a scene where an angel appeared to someone. Angels seem to sometimes assume bodies for this purpose. Or secondly, because the artist is trying to depict the angel and that is hard to do if you don’t show something the viewer can relate to.

I think angels have often been depicted in art as male to bring attention to certain of their characteristics - they are always described in Scripture as being awe-inspiring, powerful, and even rather frightening. More recent depictions of angels can be rather sappy. But I don’t think a feminine depiction would be out of order if it helped bring forth a characteristic you were trying to highlight. Being protective can be rather like a mother, either a gentle mother, or fierce like a mother bear. It could also involve a male image like a soldier or guard of some kind.

 

[Whoppercheese]

Where’s his gigantic hot penis? Jesus he’s hot.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I love art. it is my passion and i love expressing myself through it. Recently i have been doing some religious pieces and i was wondering if painting/drawing pictures a little more abstract with less detail and unrealistic colors could be considered bad to do. God gave me this talent so i believe i should use it to praise him, however i dont know what is too much.

in all my paintings/drawings i want to perceive Christ as good, however art is extremely subjective, therefore, anybody can interpret it different ways. here are some of my drawings and paintings for a better idea.

s3.amazonaws.com/graffiti/f0a0ad0ce47a1f22f72905a87c977d89P_510x270.png
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo22.jpg?t=1249895700
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo19.jpg?t=1249895715

I really like the first one, very pretty eyes.

More recent depictions of angels can be rather sappy. But I don’t think a feminine depiction would be out of order if it helped bring forth a characteristic you were trying to highlight. Being protective can be rather like a mother, either a gentle mother, or fierce like a mother bear. It could also involve a male image like a soldier or guard of some kind.

I once posted a picture that might be what you’re looking for. I don’t have time but I’ll see if I can find it again. Still, I wouldn’t mind female angels even if they are ‘sappy’. They can be pretty adorable that way. Flonne from Disgaea is a perfect example (at least the Flonne I know as I haven’t progressed that far into the game yet ). I have a huge crush on her! X3

 

[Katrina5]

I love art. it is my passion and i love expressing myself through it. Recently i have been doing some religious pieces and i was wondering if painting/drawing pictures a little more abstract with less detail and unrealistic colors could be considered bad to do. God gave me this talent so i believe i should use it to praise him, however i dont know what is too much.

in all my paintings/drawings i want to perceive Christ as good, however art is extremely subjective, therefore, anybody can interpret it different ways. here are some of my drawings and paintings for a better idea.

s3.amazonaws.com/graffiti/f0a0ad0ce47a1f22f72905a87c977d89P_510x270.png
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo22.jpg?t=1249895700
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo19.jpg?t=1249895715

I’m an artist too. Your painting/ drawings are good-- especially the first one. One thing you might try is just doing symbols without a human depiction of Christ. I think that’s what you were asking, about being abstract. I think that’s a great idea.
Most great artists in the past copied other art as a way to get the creative process started.
My art teacher always had us pray before we started a piece, offering up whatever we did for the glory of God. It didn’t guarantee a good outcome, but it made the process more meaningful.
I am working on incorporating Scripture and symbols, using vivid colors and so forth, such as a flame along passages about the Holy Spirit.
You might want to look up Corita Kent (a 1960’s era artist who inspired me) also John August Swanson, who uses very stylized images. Symbolic or stylized images take away the “sappiness” and also remove the problem of the figures looking or not looking like they “really did”.
Just some thoughts. Hope it helps. God bless you for wanting to take on this very important task. Make every brushstroke a prayer and you can’t go wrong.

 

[Katrina5]

Have you ever done any research into the writing of icons, the kind they use in Eastern churches? They are purposely abstract, in order to lead the mind from the image to the contemplation of divine things… You might find it interesting.

Great idea. I love icons and their history.

 

[peary]

I love art. it is my passion and i love expressing myself through it. Recently i have been doing some religious pieces and i was wondering if painting/drawing pictures a little more abstract with less detail and unrealistic colors could be considered bad to do. God gave me this talent so i believe i should use it to praise him, however i dont know what is too much.

in all my paintings/drawings i want to perceive Christ as good, however art is extremely subjective, therefore, anybody can interpret it different ways. here are some of my drawings and paintings for a better idea.

s3.amazonaws.com/graffiti/f0a0ad0ce47a1f22f72905a87c977d89P_510x270.png
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo22.jpg?t=1249895700
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo19.jpg?t=1249895715

Actually, I think your personal artwork presented here is very attractive. I see nothing wrong in it. You captured a suffering Christ in a way that is understandable to those who view it. Continue doing what you are doing and do not be too concerned with how someone interprets your work. Your own life experiences will guide you into more profound insights as you develop your talent and ability.

 

[Gregory_Watson]

Darth, your pics are amazing!
As an artist myself, who’s planning to make that a professional career path if I can overcome my procrastinatory habits, I thought I’d pass along a link to an organisation seeking to revitalise Religious Art:

The Foundation for Sacred Arts

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I love art. it is my passion and i love expressing myself through it. Recently i have been doing some religious pieces and i was wondering if painting/drawing pictures a little more abstract with less detail and unrealistic colors could be considered bad to do. God gave me this talent so i believe i should use it to praise him, however i dont know what is too much.

in all my paintings/drawings i want to perceive Christ as good, however art is extremely subjective, therefore, anybody can interpret it different ways. here are some of my drawings and paintings for a better idea.

s3.amazonaws.com/graffiti/f0a0ad0ce47a1f22f72905a87c977d89P_510x270.png
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo22.jpg?t=1249895700
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo19.jpg?t=1249895715

The first image is really striking.

I was once an artist and I might get back into it by painting the Blessed Mother and Infant Jesus (already have done a couple), or other saints.

While I was still a heathen, I was dumbstruck by Dali’s Crucifixion. They had to drag me away from it. Paintings can have power.

 

[aingil]

I love art. it is my passion and i love expressing myself through it. Recently i have been doing some religious pieces and i was wondering if painting/drawing pictures a little more abstract with less detail and unrealistic colors could be considered bad to do. God gave me this talent so i believe i should use it to praise him, however i dont know what is too much.

in all my paintings/drawings i want to perceive Christ as good, however art is extremely subjective, therefore, anybody can interpret it different ways. here are some of my drawings and paintings for a better idea.

s3.amazonaws.com/graffiti/f0a0ad0ce47a1f22f72905a87c977d89P_510x270.png
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo22.jpg?t=1249895700
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo19.jpg?t=1249895715

Doesn’t the vatican have a modern art section?

 

[JohnCarroll1]

I love art. it is my passion and i love expressing myself through it. Recently i have been doing some religious pieces and i was wondering if painting/drawing pictures a little more abstract with less detail and unrealistic colors could be considered bad to do. God gave me this talent so i believe i should use it to praise him, however i dont know what is too much.

in all my paintings/drawings i want to perceive Christ as good, however art is extremely subjective, therefore, anybody can interpret it different ways. here are some of my drawings and paintings for a better idea.

s3.amazonaws.com/graffiti/f0a0ad0ce47a1f22f72905a87c977d89P_510x270.png
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo22.jpg?t=1249895700
i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh267/darthfurg/Photo19.jpg?t=1249895715

Dear Darth
I make my living by doing art for the Church ( work is below if you would like to see it) . You have made a good start. Abstract or realistic, either is acceptable as long as it is a moving piece of art. There are two sides to being an artist: make beautiful work and let people see it. Neither of these things is easy to do but they are possible to do in time. You have a good start on your drawing. keep it up. It is not enough to be better than anyone in your class, you must be the equal of anyone alive to succeed. You are competing with others who have been practicing for thirty years. To compete successfully you must work harder than they do. I used to advise my students , if they can afford it, try to make some money at art rather than working at another profession and doing art in the evening. Those who are able to draw and be paid for it get better fast. Those who are forced to work at other jobs are so tired at the end of the day, they can’t make their art-- at least that is my experience. One last thing, never,never, never ,never give up.
John Collier
www.hillstream.com

 

[Barry_Gabriel]

As an artist myself, the use of abstraction and non-natural color (which BTW is not the style I use) to express your faith is OK. JP II loved modern art and the Vatican has many pieces done in this genre. Our churches here are often decorated in a more modern style, including architecture, painting, stained glass windows, etc. Some may not like what is done, but it is what it is. Often abstraction helps visualize the scene and emotions which are to be depicted. Keep doing what you’re doing.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

Dear Darth
I make my living by doing art for the Church ( work is below if you would like to see it) . You have made a good start. Abstract or realistic, either is acceptable as long as it is a moving piece of art. There are two sides to being an artist: make beautiful work and let people see it. Neither of these things is easy to do but they are possible to do in time. You have a good start on your drawing. keep it up. It is not enough to be better than anyone in your class, you must be the equal of anyone alive to succeed. You are competing with others who have been practicing for thirty years. To compete successfully you must work harder than they do. I used to advise my students , if they can afford it, try to make some money at art rather than working at another profession and doing art in the evening. Those who are able to draw and be paid for it get better fast. Those who are forced to work at other jobs are so tired at the end of the day, they can’t make their art-- at least that is my experience. One last thing, never,never, never ,never give up.
John Collier
www.hillstream.com

Mr. Collier, stupendous work!

 

[Gregory_Watson]

John,
How do you make a living doing art for the Church? What I mean is, how do I get a job like that??

 

[jdnation]

Dear Darth
I make my living by doing art for the Church ( work is below if you would like to see it) . You have made a good start. Abstract or realistic, either is acceptable as long as it is a moving piece of art. There are two sides to being an artist: make beautiful work and let people see it. Neither of these things is easy to do but they are possible to do in time. You have a good start on your drawing. keep it up. It is not enough to be better than anyone in your class, you must be the equal of anyone alive to succeed. You are competing with others who have been practicing for thirty years. To compete successfully you must work harder than they do. I used to advise my students , if they can afford it, try to make some money at art rather than working at another profession and doing art in the evening. Those who are able to draw and be paid for it get better fast. Those who are forced to work at other jobs are so tired at the end of the day, they can’t make their art-- at least that is my experience. One last thing, never,never, never ,never give up.
John Collier
www.hillstream.com

That Tree of Life Sculpture is magnificient!

I was thinking of making a site that had a section that tries and get more youth to participate in using contemporary art expression to depict religious scenes or Church history or even art that speaks about issues of faith that concern them etc. When I finally get around to it I would appreciate contributions.

 

[JohnCarroll1]

John,
How do you make a living doing art for the Church? What I mean is, how do I get a job like that??

Hello Gregory
There aren’t any jobs which do this except the one you make for yourself. I was able to do it by getting my portfolio together and sending photos around to priests. Over time I got an agent who now helps with this.
John

 

[JohnCarroll1]

That Tree of Life Sculpture is magnificient!

I was thinking of making a site that had a section that tries and get more youth to participate in using contemporary art expression to depict religious scenes or Church history or even art that speaks about issues of faith that concern them etc. When I finally get around to it I would appreciate contributions.

When you get it up and going just let me know.

 

[Katrina5]

Dear Darth
I make my living by doing art for the Church ( work is below if you would like to see it) . You have made a good start. Abstract or realistic, either is acceptable as long as it is a moving piece of art. There are two sides to being an artist: make beautiful work and let people see it. Neither of these things is easy to do but they are possible to do in time. You have a good start on your drawing. keep it up. It is not enough to be better than anyone in your class, you must be the equal of anyone alive to succeed. You are competing with others who have been practicing for thirty years. To compete successfully you must work harder than they do. I used to advise my students , if they can afford it, try to make some money at art rather than working at another profession and doing art in the evening. Those who are able to draw and be paid for it get better fast. Those who are forced to work at other jobs are so tired at the end of the day, they can’t make their art-- at least that is my experience. One last thing, never,never, never ,never give up.
John Collier
www.hillstream.com

Beautiful work, great advice! Thank you for sharing this. I was an artist but devoted my life to social work and am now retired. I feel like I am ‘too retired’ at the end of my life to do what I was meant to do. I am praying for the energy to be able to do something meaningful. Seeing your work and reading this has really helped. Thank you again.